White papers

Download The FDA Group's White Papers

The Importance of CGMP to the Safety of Compounded Drugs

While many pharmacists see CGMP as having unduly risen the bar of compliance from what they have been accustomed to under SBOP, proper implementation should not be seen as a regulatory burden when compared to the costs of noncompliance––a point made clear in 2012 when improper compounding at the New England Compounding Pharmacy sparked an outbreak of fungal meningitis which resulted in 64 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and serious criminal charges.

This white paper presents a critical analysis for the importance of CGMP to the safety of compounded drugs.

This white paper offers evidence based on the activity of the (FDA) in just one year (2016–2017) that adoption of some of the basic tenants of CGMP by compounding pharmacies have not been taken seriously or taken hold of as quickly as they should have. It also offers Reasons why the absence of elementary practices such as the implementation of a quality management system (QMS), founded on the principal of good documentation practice (GDP), have been cited with continuous and increasing frequency.

We also explain why the crux of the problem of noncompliance to CGMP is the lack of working knowledge of systems comprising CGMP regulations and a lack of basic training on those systems and how implementation of a quality management system may accelerate the adoption of CGMP as a means of sustainability for compounded medicines in the very near future.

Harmonizing Disparate Quality Systems

In 2015 and 2016, there were over 150 major medical device company acquisitions and mergers, and that trend has only accelerated in 2017. These events often bring important questions regarding quality that can have far-reaching consequences if not addressed thoroughly by both department and company leadership.

We've compiled insights from experts with firsthand experience helping device manufacturers make informed decisions when integrating quality systems and performing the due diligence necessary to ensure compliance in both the short and long term.

You'll learn factors to consider when deciding whether an incoming quality system should be retained or changed, a process to follow to ensure any quality system gaps are revealed and addressed and important regulations that have direct impact on the process. We also highlight the areas incoming quality systems are prone to noncompliance and how an experienced third party consultant can be a valuable asset during the process.

Preparing for the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP)

The Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) is a global initiative designed to harmonize regulatory efforts around the world. But despite looming deadlines, comparatively few medical device companies have a meaningful understanding of the advantages (and disadvantages) of pursuing MDSAP certification and how to prepare accordingly.

We've compiled insights from experts who have firsthand experience helping device manufacturers prepare for the MDSAP and compiled them into this handy white paper.

You'll learn the basics of the MDSAP, how the new point-based grading system works, which kinds of medical device companies stand to benefit from the MDSAP most, what to consider before pursuing MDSAP certification, and how to prepare for success before auditors arrive.

Ensuring Enterprise-Wide Data Integrity in FDA-Regulated Industries

Data integrity issues are among the most significant compliance problems manufacturers struggle with today.

All too often, the scope of data integrity is misunderstood and oversimplified. Managing data and the systems that govern it stretch far beyond the IT department to encompass C-level executives and support groups in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, and quality. It requires a company-wide commitment to quality management that starts at the top.

This white paper offers a purely practical perspective on what data integrity is and how to mitigate data-related issues by developing and implementing a sound control framework. We'll also offer solutions to common data integrity problems.

The Complete Guide to Supplier Qualification & Quality Management

To the FDA, suppliers and other third party vendors are an extension of your organization, making regulatory compliance yourresponsibility.

Outsourcing has become a global phenomenon among FDA-regulated manufacturers, making it absolutely critical to qualify new suppliers and manage quality on a routine basis.

This guide offers a step-by-step process for building better relationships with qualified suppliers and establishing a risk-based approach to supplier quality management. Inside, you'll find a summary of key regulatory requirements for supplier management, the formula for crafting an effective quality agreement and tips for working with third party professionals when planning and running supplier audits.

FDA Trends & Developments in the Medical Device Industry: 2016

The regulatory environment is in a state of transition. New technologies, growing cost pressures and quickly-shifting consumer expectations are just a few of the factors driving changes in medical device manufacturing and regulatory compliance both domestic and abroad.

We've gathered the top FDA trends and developments for 2016 into this go-to guide along with advice from industry experts and on how these initiatives will affect medical device companies large and small.

We've included actionable summaries of the top ten FDA initiatives for medical device companies in 2016, key takeaways from recent FDA Guidance documents, and advice from expert consultants.

FDA Trends & Developments in the Pharmaceutical Industry: 2016

The regulatory environment is changing fast. New technologies, growing cost pressures and quickly-shifting consumer expectations are just a few of the factors driving changes in drug manufacturing and regulatory compliance both domestic and abroad.

We've gathered the top FDA trends and developments for 2016 into this go-to guide along with advice from industry experts and on how these initiatives will affect pharmaceutical companies large and small.

We've included actionable summaries of the top eight FDA initiatives for pharmaceuticals in 2016, key takeaways from recent FDA Guidance documents, and advice from expert consultants.

The Emergency Guide to FDA Warning Letters & FDA 483

Receiving an FDA Warning Letter or Form 483 requires companies take immediate action to resolve issues and communicate those fixes to regulators within 15 business days.

Failing to respond or submitting an inadequate response can lead to enforcement actions that may threaten your ability to produce and market products.

This guide lays out the key steps to take after receiving an FDA Warning Letter or FDA 483 including the key elements of Corrective and Preventative Action Plans (CAPA), tips from experts on crafting an effective response, and how third party experts can help fill the gaps and assist you through the process.

The Complete Guide to Remediation Projects

As regulations tighten on the pharmaceutical industry, compliance issues pose a major threat to manufacturers throughout every FDA-regulated industry.

When issues do arise, it’s absolutely crucial to take action with a remediation project designed to identify and remedy the root causes of the problems at hand.

Our guide to remediation lays the groundwork for an effective remediation plan aimed specifically at addressing the root causes of compliance issues.

ISO 13485: Proposed Changes and What They Mean for You

The standard, “ISO 13485:2003 – Medical devices – Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes”, specifies requirements for a quality management system for organizations that provide medical devices and related services. The standard outlines the requirements for a quality management system that meets both customer and regulatory requirements, applicable to the medical device industry.

Laboratory Developed Tests: Issues and Anticipated Regulations

On July 31, 2014 the FDA notified Congress of the Agency’s intent to issue a draft oversight framework for Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) based on risk on patients. This is a change from the current framework where regulatory oversight is determined based on whether the LDT is made by a conventional manufacturer or a single laboratory. FDA released the draft guidances describing the regulatory oversight for LDTs, which uses a risk-based approach and will be implemented over the course of multiple years.

The agency intends to enforce device registration and listing with the FDA for most LDTs. In addition, the agency will require the LDT manufacturers to submit adverse event reports to enable better post-market surveillance monitoring. For high and moderate risk LDTs, the FDA intends to have pre-market review and will enforce the quality system regulation, which affects design controls and the manufacturing of LDTs.

Striking the Right Balance Between Premarket and Postmarket Data for Device Manufacturers

On April 13, 2015 FDA issued a Final Guidance Document titled, Balancing Premarket and Postmarket Data Collection for Devices Subject to Premarket Approval. The original Draft Guidance was issued on April 23, 2014. The purpose of this guidance is to clarify FDA’s stance on balancing premarket and postmarket data collection during review of Premarket Approval Applications (PMAs).

This Guidance presents important insight for manufacturers with devices subject to PMA requirements. It includes details on both the benefits of using postmarket data and when postmarket data is appropriate from an FDA perspective. Leveraging postmarket data will result in decreased time to market and ensure continued surveillance of the safety of medical devices; therefore, the industry is encouraged to work with the agency to better understand the balance between pre- and postmarket data.

The Complete Guide to Investigational Device Exemptions

Virtually every device manufacturer that conducts studies on humans needs to determine whether an investigational device exemption (IDE) is necessary.

As such, device manufacturers should understand what an investigational device exemption is, to which devices it applies, and how to obtain an IDE if it is needed.

The Medical Device Single Audit Program Pilot Explained

While the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) is still being piloted, it is crucial for medical device manufacturers to understand the potential benefits and implications of an international single audit program. There are many advantages to a MDSAP for both the medical device manufacturer and regulatory authorities.

Developed by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), the MDSAP is still being evaluated to determine feasibility and the effectiveness of a single quality audit. When fully implemented, the MDSAP has the potential to greatly impact the medical device quality auditing environment.

Exploring New Regulations On Unique Device Identification

On September 24, 2013, FDA issued a final rule on the Unique Device Identification (UDI) requirements for medical device manufacturers who market products in the US. While the regulation will require companies to implement many changes to current labeling, packaging, and quality system procedures, if strategically planned, a UDI implementation effort can result in improved product identification and tracking. Medical device manufacturers should fully understand the latest UDI regulations to facilitate the deployment of a compliant, cost-effective, and efficient UDI program.

FDA’s main motivation for developing the UDI regulation is to enhance patient safety. FDA suggests the UDI regulation will reduce medical errors, simplify the integration of device use information into data systems, provide more rapid identification of medical devices with adverse events, provide more rapid development of solutions to reported problems, and provide for more rapid, more efficient resolution of device recalls.

The Pharmaceutical’s Guide to Social Media in an FDA-Regulated Industry

Social media has gained importance as a means of communication over the past several years. Sites such as Linked-in, Twitter, and Facebook have provided means for professionals and corporations to disseminate information faster than ever before. However, professionals in the pharmaceutical industry have been reluctant to use these outlets as a means of promoting products because of the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations regarding promotional materials. As such, the Food and Drug Administration has been taking steps to address these issues.

In addition to the regulations regarding promotional materials, a number of unique issues exist with respect to the use of social media. Some common issues include character limitations, incorrect information that has been disseminated by third parties, and accountability for information distributed via social media. As such, understanding these issues and how they affect the pharmaceutical industry is important.

Electronic Informed Consent for Clinical Investigations

With the progression of technology, it has become evident that there is a place for electronic documentation in clinical research. One area of particular benefit includes the informed consent process. Electronic informed consent (eIC) has the potential to offer great advantages over the traditional paper consent process.

If used correctly, eIC can serve as an effective tool for educating study subjects, managing informed consent records, and ensuring research participants are efficiently made aware of new information or study amendments.

The Impact of FDA’s Safety and Innovation Act

Passed in July 2012, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act has notably changed the Food and Drug Administration’s authority regarding the collection of fees, the manner in which reviews of drug applications are conducted, access of patients to medications, and the participation of stakeholders in the process.

The legislation is expected to affect domestic and foreign manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, devices, and biologics considerably in the coming years. As such, pharmaceutical executives should understand the impact of this legislation.

Successfully Submitting an Application Via the 505(B)(2) Mechanism

The 505(b)(2) is a New Drug Application (NDA) mechanism which allows an applicant to seek approval for a drug product based on full safety and efficacy documentation, some of which may be from literature or conducted by others and for which the applicant does not have the right of reference.

Created in 1984, it is a streamlined process and does not require the applicant to conduct all the required studies or obtain a right of reference. A 505(b)(2) can been used to get approvals for changes such as New Delivery Mechanisms, New Dosage Forms, New Formulations and New Indications. It has the advantage over the traditional process by being able to rely on previously published material, and so can be quicker as well as being lower cost.

Unique Device Identifiers and the Global Unique Identifier Database

As a result of a new regulation issued by the Food and Drug Administration, device manufacturers will be required to have a unique identifier for any device that they wish to market in the United States.

The law is already in effect for many Class III devices, and more devices will be required to have these identifiers over the next several years. Therefore, pharmaceutical executives should understand the new regulation and how to comply with it.

Three-Dimensional Printing and the Food and Drug Administration

Three-dimensional printing is revolutionizing the way medical conditions are treated. These printers are able to create customized medical devices and other medical products for patients.

This new market is open to any manufacturer, not just medical device companies. Therefore, manufacturers should understand the trends associated with this growing use of technology.

The FDA Registration Process for Devices

To monitor public health more effectively, the United States government has issued regulations requiring organizations that manufacture and distribute devices to register with the Food and Drug Administration.

As such, any corporation or individual looking to market a device in the United States should understand the regulations and processes involved in registration.

The Guide to Submitting an Investigational New Drug Application

To remain competitive, companies must be able to market the investigational products that they manufacture. However, no company can market an investigational product in the United States without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). New Drug Applications (NDAs) are one of the final steps that a company takes before a drug receives approval, and an overreaching goal for pharmaceutical manufacturers is to have their NDAs approved.

The consequences of a rejected NDA, such as decreased revenue, decreases in stock prices, and allocation of additional funds and resources to rectify the issue, are severe. Therefore, manufacturers should know what the process is, what the contents of an NDA are, and how to submit an NDA. They must also understand common issues associated with NDAs, reasons why NDAs are rejected, and ways to make the process run more smoothly.

The Benefits of Working with an FDA Compliance Consulting Firm to Pharma Companies

An overall goal of pharmaceutical executives is to ensure that the products developed by their companies are approved by the appropriate agencies and marketed appropriately. However, this can pose a challenge given the changing guidelines of agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency. At best, not following these regulations result in submissions not being approved or approval being delayed. This can lead to a loss of revenue and increased cost.At worst, not complying with the regulations can result in a company receiving warning letters and being subject to other disciplinary actions.

Given these issues, many pharmaceutical executives choose to enlist the expertise of a consulting firm that specializes in compliance with regulatory guidelines. These compliance firms provide a variety of regulatory services that enable executives to get pharmaceutical products on the market more quickly and to ensure that the appropriate regulations are followed.

Device Recalls versus Device Enhancements

Defects and performance failures in medical devices can seriously impact public health. To address these issues, a corporation may need to recall a device and correct the issues. Under ideal circumstances, a corporation identifies that a recall is necessary and initiates a recall. However, determining whether a recall is required is not always a straightforward process.

Because the Food and Drug Administration’s stance on the subject has been unclear, corporations may not know whether a change or defect is serious enough to warrant a recall. For instance, software upgrades are important to product safety and efficacy. However, because they do constitute a change to the product as marketed, pharmaceutical executives have questioned whether a recall is necessary. As such, pharmaceutical executives need to know when to recall a device as opposed to using another mechanism such as a market withdrawal or stock recovery.

Contact Info

The FDA Group will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. Privacy Policy.